Kylie’s long-standing love of dance started at the age of six, with ballet classes. Later, she added jazz, contemporary, modern, and funk – before focusing on contemporary ballet.
In 2006, Kylie started with Brisbane’s Rio Rhythmics Latin Dance Academy, under Tarcisio Teatini-Climaco. A new world of partner dancing soon became a happy addiction, and Brazilian zouk and samba de gafieira her passion. Since 2007 she has trained with Kadu and Larissa, who continue to inspire her with their discipline, energy, artistry and love of dance.
She has trained and social danced in Brazil at the dance academies of Renata Pecanha, Alex de Carvalho and Jimmy de Oliveira.
Kylie has performed at events including Prague Zouk Congress, Sydney Latin Festival, Melbourne Latin Festival, Brazil Central, Doudoule, New Zealand Brazilian Dance Festival, and Casa do Zouk, and has also appeared as an instructor.
In 2010, Kylie started teaching at Brisbane’s Rio Rhythmics Latin Dance Academy and in 2012, she joined the K&L Dance teaching team.
Kylie loves helping students find their ‘dance feet’, and seeing them having fun, learning. She hopes her passion for social dancing and performing inspires others, and plans to always have dance in her life.
Jimmy has always been a ‘natural mover’, having grown up with keen interests in martial arts and hip hop / break dance. He began developing an interest in Latin dance in 2013 during his time studying Biomedical Science at the University of Queensland (UQ). There he took an active role in UQ Dance, a student-run social dance group. What started as a fun distraction from study became a life changing pre-occupation for Jimmy. He was hooked on Latin dance, and this was only the beginning.
Jimmy sought out every opportunity he could, learning and performing for various Latin dance groups around Brisbane.
It was late in 2014 when Jimmy attended a popular Latin social night, Sunday Salsa Seduction at Casablanca in Brisbane. There he witnessed first hand, a Brazilian Zouk demonstration by Kadu Pires and Larissa Thayane, renowned international artists and owners of K&L Dance. This was a pivotal moment in Jimmy’s dance career, as it ignited his obsession with Zouk. There was no going back.
After enrolling to study at K&L Dance in 2015, Jimmy quickly progressed, dedicating countless hours to building and refining his Brazilian Zouk skill, knowledge and technique. He also further expanded his dance knowledge with complimentary styles such as Samba de Gafieira, Kizomba and Forro.
Jimmy was soon invited to be trained as an instructor for K&L Dance, a major honour which affirmed his ambition in the world of Brazilian Zouk. He was trained by Kadu and Larissa personally before he began teaching classes himself. He was welcomed by K&L’s large student community due to his generous teaching style and fun-loving charisma.
Jimmy has been an Instructor at K&L Dance since 2016, mainly teaching Brazilian Zouk, along with some Samba de Gafiera and Forro classes. He is challenging himself to continually grow as a dancer, performer and instructor. He balances his dance life with his career in physical fitness. Jimmy is part-owner of a local gym and is a sought after personal trainer.
“I am proud to represent K&L as I know they are leaders in Brazilian dance, they command great respect around the world,” Jimmy says.
“Back at UQ Dance I looked at their instructors in awe. I worked hard to join them, and now I get to share this addictive style with others.”
When asked what Jimmy likes most about his role he is quick to respond. “It is such a buzz to see the students dancing better each week, but it’s even better to see them having a blast. I love a laugh and I encourage people to relax and experiment. I want to see them walk away feeling great. That’s my favourite part.”
KYLIE & JIMMY
BRISBANE
